March 12, 2012

Out of the Blue

If home is where my heart is,

then my home is Out of the Blue.

Hearty breakfast

Pizza margherita

Bacon and leek ravioli with white wine and pesto sauce

Crepes Suzette

In Small La Laguna, Puerto Galera (away from the rowdy crowd of White Beach), there is one place that effortlessly recharges the soul, tickles the palate, and captures the heart. Inaptly named (I guess) “Out of the Blue”, it is by far the best destination in the area if you are looking for sweet relaxation, gastronomic adventure, and “I’m no longer blue” vibes (because there is no room for loneliness once you set foot on this lovely resort).

It is owned by Australian IT businessman John Booth who just wanted to build a vacation house by the beach when he and his wife visited and instantly fell in love with Puerto Galera way back in 1997. A few years later, and with the intervention of his friend Chris Shannon, his dream eventually developed into Out of the Blue, which opened to the public in 2009.

It has clusters of Mediterranean-Filipino fusion inspired villas overlooking Verde Strait (room rates start at 3k+ inclusive of complimentary hearty breakfast for two), infinity pools not strategically positioned hehe, free wi-fi, and surprisingly a little library which contains some great contemporary book and DVD collections perhaps the all-time favorites of the owner (tried looking for Wuthering Heights but did not find one – sad face).

It has an in-house restaurant “Verandah”, a casual fine-dining place with bar and of course averandah that affords a peaceful sea view. It offers superb-tasting food and wine selection, thanks to Chef Harold Barrios, who was trained by Copenhagen-based chef Henrik. Dining simply becomes magical come dusk time.

But most important, hospitality exudes all over the place, ambabait nina ate at kuya, makuwento pa.

Well, where did the resort get its name? According to the owner, the color of Australia is blue, and “out of the blue” is an expression for surprise. In my opinion though, the name reflects whim, something unanticipated. Anyway, go and surprise yourself. Remember, the only time you run out of chances is when you stop taking them. Take a risk - this is a calculated one I promise. Fall in love Out of the Blue.